U21s 4-1 Leeds - report

15 April 2014

United's U21s rounded off their league campaign with a resounding victory against Yorkshire rivals Leeds at Shirecliffe on Tuesday afternoon.

Fraser Fyvie, of Wigan Athletic, one of two trialists on show, opened the scoring, with Joe Ironside, Joel Coustrain and substitute Daniel Cockerline the other scorers as United completed the season with a five-game unbeaten run, that secured third spot, only missing out on second place on goal difference to Crewe Alexandra.

The hosts, who also included Kevin Stewart of Tottenham, started brightly and Dimaio stung the palms of Ashdown after Coustrain had stole possession on the halfway line before linking up with Ironside and trialist Stewart to create the opportunity.

In the 16th minute, the Blades were rewarded for the early dominance. Ironside worked hard down the right, holding off his marker, before firing in an inviting cross that was met by the onrushing FYVIE, whose sweetly struck shot went in via the underside of the crossbar.

United, in front of the watching Nigel Clough, doubled their advantage four minutes later. Khan was crudely upended on the right wing and having dusted himself down he whipped in for IRONSIDE to head home powerfully from eight yards, past the outstretched hand of Ashdown.

In the latter stages of the first period, Leeds had a goal disallowed for a blatant handball, Parkin booked for committing the offence. At the other end, Coustrain should have made it three with the last meaningful action of the opening 45 minutes.

The Blades continued to control proceedings in the second-half and in the 66th minute a third goal duly arrived. Khan and Dimaio combined before the latter picked out COUSTRAIN, who calmly finished left-footed across Ashdown.

The Republic of Ireland youth international came close to netting his second and United's fourth moments later, but the home side didn't have to wait long to extend their lead further.

In the 81st minute, COCKERLINE showed good composure in the penalty to shake off the attentions of his marker before slotting the ball into the bottom corner, giving Ashdown no chance.

The only blemish of the afternoon came when WALTERS scored a well taken consolation for the visitors, controlling the ball before hitting it right footed beyond Long on the turn.

But that didn't take the shine off the victory, a fourth in the last five matches for Chris Morgan's youngsters.